Artists performing at and participating in Coachella face an endless stream of interviewers, asking questions about everything from their new projects to their summer tours. That’s why we decided to switch it up by querying a few of our favorite musicians — Perry Farrell, Richie Hawtin (a.k.a. Plastikman) and Lorin Ashton (a.k.a. Bassnectar) — and one inspiring filmmaker, Anna Gabriel, about some bigger-picture ideas, from how they want to feel in their last moments of life to what qualities they appreciate most in friends. Check out their thoughtful responses and our best photos from the festival after the jump.

Perry Farrell

One of the undisputed godfathers of alternative rock and the creator of Lollapalooza, Jane’s Addiction’s Perry Farrell is a mainstay of Coachella, credited with reviving the festival after its rocky beginning in 2001. We caught up with him on the last day of his ninth year to get his take on a few key questions.

Flavorpill: What’s your idea of happiness?

Perry Farrell: Being around music in a relaxed way; making it, listening to it, and all the things that magnetize to that moment.

FP: What’s your idea of misery?

PF: Misery is being inland, without an ocean around, and without the people that live by the ocean around. Also, having to pay attention a lot harder than I’m used to — being serious. Immaturity has its virtues. Not wearing the suit and tie, it keeps you youthful.

Lucent Dossier

FP: What’s your chief characteristic?

PF: Glowing, warm, positive energy.

FP: If you weren’t yourself, who would you be?

PF: Hm. If God said do you want to trade, not that I would, but I’d have to say David Bowie because his voice is so great.

FP: What’s your favorite virtue?

PF: Non-aggression; peacefulness.

The Glitch Mob

FP: What motto do you live by?

PF: It’s not what you do that kills you — it’s what you don’t do

FP: What do you want to feel before you die?

PF: I get a little fearful that I’ll be very sad, so I almost want to say that I don’t want to feel anything. But then, I don’t want to be unconscious. So there’s your answer [laughs].

FP: What natural talent would you like to be gifted with?

PF: I would love to be able to be an incredible basketball player.

FP: What do you appreciate most in your friends?

PF: When it’s crunch time, they converge and help me get the job done.

FP: What is your present state of mind?

PF: I couldn’t think of a more perfect life. Even what I don’t have in hand is within arms reach.